Pretty pandas, and Maria Bello: Good. Movie, so-so.
Comment
12/31/04
China: The Panda Adventure
42 %
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted: 19
Fresh: 8
Rotten:11
Average Rating: 5/10
Theatrical Release:Sep 14, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: The fascinating natural habitat of the Giant Panda opens up to the public on this cinematic trip to China. Originally shot for the IMAX format, the action begins in 1936, with Ruth Harkness (Maria... [More]
Starring: Xander Berkeley, Maria Bello
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Reviews for China: The Panda Adventure
Each stunning scene is a delicious sight, filled with gorgeous, lush landscapes. . .Just open your eyes and say, "A-a-a-ah."
04/04/03
Click to read the article
09/17/02
[Young] occasionally mines the IMAX cliches ... but more often he delivers unforgettable images of China.
06/28/02
Top CriticImax Corp. has been struggling in the last year, and "China: The Panda Adventure" illustrates one reason why.
06/20/02
[W]hen it's all sewn together the final product is as unlovely as Frankenstein.
06/17/02
The spectacle provided by the large-screen format is largely wasted on the movie's schmaltzy storyline.
02/03/02
Click to read the article
10/15/01
Top Criticrecreates a simplified tale fit for TV, shows off a pawfull of sweet pandas and offers up a tiny tea cup serving of truly memorable China pans.
10/12/01
The script is a clunker, the acting atrocious, and there's not even enough panda footage to keep the kids happy.
09/28/01
A stirring and thrilling adventure that rewards viewers of all ages.
09/21/01
Gives only glimpses of the potential for dynamic storytelling many have longed for in an Imax film.
09/20/01
Top CriticClick to read the article
09/17/01
Despite being helmed by Robert M. Young, who knows more than a bit about docus and drama, China immediately plays as a wooden period piece.
09/14/01
Top CriticThe footage of pandas in their natural surroundings is enchanting.
09/14/01
Why not make a straight documentary about the remarkable creatures instead of a bad melodrama? Or at least remember to show the playful pandas in the first place?
09/14/01
So much care has been lavished on the lush, vivid cinematography that very little seems to have been left over for such picayune matters as script continuity, plausible dialogue, coherent editing and acting.
09/13/01
Top Critic[Young] knows what's important in an IMAX movie and makes certain that the vastness and beauty of China are matched by the pandas' lovable quotient.
09/13/01
Top CriticIf you can ignore the cookie-cutter story and wooden characters and focus instead on the natural wonders that are passing us by as we travel up the Yangtze, chances are good that you won't be disappointed.
09/13/01
Top CriticRelated Forums for China: The Panda Adventure
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Point-Counterpoint: Bruno 
MSN's David Fear and Frank Paiva go head to head discussing the pros and cons of Bruno star Sacha Baron Cohen.
The New Cult Canon
The AV Club's Scott Tobias takes a second look at David Lynch's cult classic, Lost Highway.
Tom Cruise's 10 Best Roles
TIME takes us on a 25-year long journey into the superstar's career, giving us a look at his 10 best roles.
A Baywatch Comedy?
BuzzSugar reports on Paramount's plans to rebirth the iconic TV show as a comedy film.
IGN RSS Feeds